Leisure centre assistant
Leisure centre assistants help and supervise visitors using leisure centre facilities.
Salary range: £18,000 to £20,000
How to become a leisure centre assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which may help when looking for work. Courses include:
- Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning
- Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Sport
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More information
Apprenticeship
You can do an intermediate apprenticeship in exercise and fitness or leisure operations.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You could apply directly. You’ll find it useful when looking for work if you’ve got customer service experience and an interest in exercise and fitness.
More information
Career tips
Some employers may prefer you to have a qualification in first aid, gym instruction or lifeguarding.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- business management skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- setting up, dismantling and maintaining equipment
- making sure areas and facilities are clean
- selling tickets and making reservations
- dealing with enquiries on reception
- selling food and drink
Working environment
You could work at a fitness centre.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience and further qualifications, you could become a supervisor or manager. You could also move into fitness instructing, lifeguarding or sports coaching.